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Two Years: Living With Type 1 Diabetes

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Today marks the two year anniversary since Harper was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. These two years have been filled with many highs and lows (no pun intended). We've had good days and bad days, and we've found a new normal.

Harper's first meal, post-diagnosis, in the hospital

There are so many things that come back to me when I recall that day. It's still a very vivid memory, and I can't imagine a day when it won't be. Everything from what I was wearing to what Harper was wearing to the nurse who helped us check in. I can clearly recall almost every second of it.

Harper and I at the beach

We've come a long way, and I always recognize that we have a long way to go. Until a cure is found, we will always have something new to learn about type 1 diabetes. In the two years, we've been treating Harper, here's what I've learned.

Diabetes never takes a day off. We don't get to take a break from diabetes. It requires 24/7 management, and the slightest slip up could be dangerous.

I am a lot stronger than I ever thought, emotionally.

My daughter is a lot stronger, braver, and mature than I ever thought.

Whenever I think I have it bad, I think of all the other parents and children who are dealing with medical conditions that are far worse than type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is so much more complicated than I ever imagined.

Most people who are close to our family are eager to learn about type 1 diabetes and help when necessary.

The type 1 community is a tightly knit group of people who are so supportive and kind.

The life I had pre-diabetes quickly became a distant memory, and now I can't imagine it to be any other way.

We don't let type diabetes define us.

Once Harper was diagnosed, we decided to never look back but to only look forward.

We learn something new almost everyday. We're constantly adjusting Harper's diet and activity to successfully control her blood sugar. Today, she's thriving. She's a smart, active, and beautiful ten year old, just like any other ten year old.

She's not letting type 1 diabetes define her. It's not her identity. It's only a significant part of who she is, but it's not all she is.